Food Porn: Garris BBQ

Maybe my favorite memory from last year’s Taste of Buffalo was visiting Garris BBQ’s tent. They had a sampler which included the most amazing Fried Chicken that I have ever eaten. Since that day, Alli and I swore we would eventually try their food for real and actually go to their restaurant. It took us almost 10 months but we finally did it.

Garris BBQ is located on William Street, a short drive from Lafayette Square and the center of downtown Buffalo. You could easily drive by the location and not notice it, it’s a fairly plain white building with a small sign on the side that says ‘Garris BBQ’ and a neon OPEN sign in the window. Rest assured that regardless of any preconceived notions you have about this particular area of Buffalo, the atmosphere inside Garris was extremely welcoming. Since I had no idea if they had a website or what their exact menu was, I decided to stop by after work to go grab a menu. Their menu has a good amount of soul food with entrees like Fried Chicken, BBQ Ribs (and Chicken), some Fried Fish options and all the familiar sides: Collard Greens, Hush Puppies, Fried Okra, Black Eyed Peas, etc.

So for dinner Alli and I both ordered their Fried Chicken Diner ($8) which came with 1/4 of a chicken (your choice of white or dark meat) and 2 sides. We both chose the Mac and Cheese, Alli ordered their French Fries and I ordered their Pinto Beans. The chicken was fantastic, even after it sat for the 10 minute car ride back to my house, I was still impressed with the flavor and crispy-ness. Sure, it didn’t truly compare to having someone take the chicken out of the fry-er, putting it on a plate and taking a bite right away. But don’t let that stop you, their chicken is fantastic regardless of if its completely fresh or a few minutes to a few hours old.

I honestly can’t put my finger on it, the outer crust was seasoned just right (and is truly at its peak with an optional dose of Frank’s) and the chicken inside was so juicy and delicious that I could have eaten an whole chicken in one sitting. I don’t know exactly what they do in their prep, but I love it. If you enjoy fried chicken, just stop what you are doing and go get some now. Their mac and cheese was very creamy and heavy on the cheese and the pinto beans were in a gravy like sauce that was filled with flavor. I really enjoyed the meal and probably will go back and enjoy it freshly prepared and hot as they do have a small seating area for maybe 20 or so customers. Check it out, order ahead (check out their link for a menu) or go in and take a seat; and don’t let anything fool you (area or building) their food is hands-down fantastic.

Donnie Burtless is the founder of BuffaloEats.org. He also co-hosts two podcasts: Grain of Salt and The Burtlist. He's judged over 30 different food contests around Western New York and has written for Buffalo Spree, The Public and Visit Buffalo Niagara.

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One thought on “Food Porn: Garris BBQ”

Kelly

I am not sure if you’ve ever tried Shango. It is wonderful! (Not inexpensive, but not exorbitant.) I believe fried chicken with mashed potatoes, green beans and andouille gravy is about 18 dollars. I have loved everything I have had there and they have a great selection of beers-which seems to be something you would appreciate.